The Trade Network For Qualified Gardeners

Good gardeners are busy gardeners

People often say that it is hard to find a good gardener - and they are
right!

The following may help you understand why:

- A good gardener is a
busy gardener. As a result, they often don't need to advertise and can be
hard to find. Our research shows that gardeners often work within a 10 mile
radius and gain most of their work through recommendations.

- A gardeners work is
mostly regular, repeat work. Once they are
busy they tend to stay busy. This is especially true during the growing
season.

- Gardeners are in-demand and can, to a
large extent, cherry-pick the best customers.

- Some people
inadvertently or purposefully hire labourers/handy helpers instead of
professional, qualified gardeners. Cheap amateur labourers have little
incentive to be regular or reliable and might prove to be fair weather 'gardeners'
only.

- Gardeners are extra busy during the growing season. Our research shows that gardeners are
unlikely to
take a holiday between February and July because of the busy growing season.
A gardeners diary will quickly fill up during this time. Gardeners are most
likely to take holiday during August (school holidays) or September/October.
This is when the growing season is slowing and gardeners are burnt-out from
working long hours in the sun and need a break! Do not be surprised if it is
hard to find a gardener during this time. However, after their holidays,
gardeners return ready to schedule work for the autumn and winter seasons.

A gardener may advertise for work even if they are 'full'. Why?

- They
may have space in their diary but not as much space as you are asking for.
This can vary by season.

- They may be taking advance bookings for
winter pruning but are full for the current season.

- It is difficult to be reliable if you have
over committed. A gardener may limit the amount of time they spend on
regular maintenance to 80% of their diary. As a result, they may only have
space for one-off work.

- They may only accept regular customers who
want regular maintenance all year round rather than just during the summer.

- Being 'full' can vary with the weather. Existing customers get
priority and the weather may cause planning uncertainty that makes it hard
to commit to new appointments.